Wanted: Leader to take a LEP into the unknown

AN influential business leader is being sought to take the reins of a new Hertfordshire economic development partnership.

One of the first jobs of the private sector chair of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will be to help decide how to spend £10million from government for projects to kick-start the county economy.

The successor to current chairman John Gourd, pictured, will also be expected to represent the county at national and international events.

But they’ll have to love doing it because there will be no pay, only travel expenses.

The LEP is also looking for a member of the board from the private sector.

The closing date for applications is today (November 30) and a new, full board should be in place early in the new year.

Similar partnerships of the public and private sectors have been set up in other parts of the country, including the South East Midlands, covering Aylesbury and Luton.

Councillor David Lloyd, Herts County Council’s LEP member said: “The LEP has a key role to play in improving economic conditions in our local area and our primary focus is to support projects that benefit our residents and businesses.”